Yarmouth student diagnosed with viral meningitis | News

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YARMOUTH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - The Yarmouth School Department sent a letter home Wednesday saying a middle school student has been diagnosed with viral meningitis.

Andrew Dolloff, Superintendent of Yarmouth schools, said they received confirmation Wednesday morning that a student at Frank H. Harrison Middle School was diagnosed with viral meningitis.

Dolloff stressed that The Center for Disease Control says that the disease is often less severe than bacterial meningitis, and most people usually get better on their own without treatment.

The Center for Disease Control defines meningitis as an inflammation of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis.

Dolloff cautions infants are at a higher level of risk to a severe form of the illness. He says the CDC also tells officials, "If you have close contact with a person who has viral meningitis, you may become infected with the virus that made that person sick. However, you are not likely to develop meningitis as a complication of the illness."

Dolloff said given the information, the district felt it was appropriate to inform the community. Dolloff added all necessary health measures and precautions are being implemented to safeguard students and staff in the Yarmouth system.

The Center for Disease Controls lists some prevention measures and common signs of illness;

Prevention

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, coughing or blowing your nose.

• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact such as kissing, hugging, or sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirtsleeve, not your hands.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.